eco tourism horticulture and dairy farming are examples of

IICA’s Caribbean Agritourism Network

What is agritourism.

Agritourism is a type of tourism that involves visiting farms, old plantations, gastronomic festivals, or other agricultural businesses for the purpose of experiencing rural life, culture, and food. Agritourism combines agriculture and tourism to promote sustainable tourism, support local agriculture, and provide economic benefits to rural communities. Examples of agritourism include:

Linking local farmers with hotels and restaurants

Sharing of agricultural heritage: visits to old plantations or agricultural museums.

Local gastronomic festivals and culinary traditions.

Farm-based activities: rural bed & breakfasts, observation of crop management, farm animal feeding, milking and cheese making.

Tourist routes that combine the knowledge of natural landscapes with the way of life of the communities visited.

Community-based initiatives: village fairs, community markets and food trails

Why support agritourism in the Caribbean?

The Caribbean is one of the most tourism-dependent regions in the world, with tourism earnings accounting for over 60% of GDP in some countries. However, despite the significant benefits of tourism, linkages between tourism and other economic sectors, such as agriculture, are often weak. As a result, the benefits of tourism are not distributed widely, particularly in rural areas where poverty rates are highest.

Promoting agritourism is a strategy to enhance the linkages between tourism and agriculture, and to strengthen rural economies in the Caribbean. By supporting local agriculture and food production, agritourism can help to improve food security, reduce dependence on food imports, and create new income and livelihood opportunities for rural communities, while promoting sustainable agriculture practices and environmental stewardship.

Moreover, the hotel industry in the Caribbean represents a huge potential market for locally sourced goods, which can enhance the authenticity of the tourism experience. By promoting agritourism, the Caribbean can showcase its unique and diverse agricultural products, cultural heritage, and rural landscapes, while also providing visitors with a more authentic and sustainable travel experience.

What Is Ecotourism? Definition, Examples, and Pros and Cons

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Ecotourism Definition and Principles

Pros and cons.

• Examples of Ecotourism
• Frequently Asked Questions

Ecotourism is about more than simply visiting natural attractions or natural places; it’s about doing so in a responsible and sustainable manner. The term itself refers to traveling to natural areas with a focus on environmental conservation. The goal is to educate tourists about conservation efforts while offering them the chance to explore nature.

Ecotourism has benefited destinations like Madagascar, Ecuador, Kenya, and Costa Rica, and has helped provide economic growth in some of the world’s most impoverished communities. The global ecotourism market produced $92.2 billion in 2019 and is forecasted to generate $103.8 billion by 2027.

A conservationist by the name of Hector Ceballos-Lascurain is often credited with the first definition of ecotourism in 1987, that is, “tourism that consists in travelling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural manifestations (both past and present) found in these areas.”

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of ecotourism since 1990, defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education [both in its staff and its guests].”

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) looks at ecotourism as a significant tool for conservation, though it shouldn’t be seen as a fix-all when it comes to conservation challenges:

“There may be some areas that are just not appropriate for ecotourism development and some businesses that just won’t work in the larger tourism market. That is why it is so important to understand the basics of developing and running a successful business, to ensure that your business idea is viable and will be profitable, allowing it to most effectively benefit the surrounding environment and communities.”

Marketing an ecosystem, species, or landscape towards ecotourists helps create value, and that value can help raise funds to protect and conserve those natural resources.

Sustainable ecotourism should be guided by three core principles: conservation, communities, and education.

Conservation

Conservation is arguably the most important component of ecotourism because it should offer long-term, sustainable solutions to enhancing and protecting biodiversity and nature. This is typically achieved through economic incentives paid by tourists seeking a nature-based experience, but can also come from the tourism organizations themselves, research, or direct environmental conservation efforts.

Communities

Ecotourism should increase employment opportunities and empower local communities, helping in the fight against global social issues like poverty and achieving sustainable development.

Interpretation

One of the most overlooked aspects of ecotourism is the education component. Yes, we all want to see these beautiful, natural places, but it also pays to learn about them. Increasing awareness about environmental issues and promoting a greater understanding and appreciation for nature is arguably just as important as conservation.

As one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry, there are bound to be some downsides to ecotourism. Whenever humans interact with animals or even with the environment, it risks the chance of human-wildlife conflict or other negative effects; if done so with respect and responsibility in mind, however, ecotourism can reap enormous benefits to protected areas.

As an industry that relies heavily on the presentation of eco-friendly components to attract customers, ecotourism has the inevitable potential as a vessel for greenwashing. Part of planning a trip rooted in ecotourism is doing research to ensure that an organization is truly providing substantial benefits to the environment rather than exploiting it.

Ecotourism Can Provide Sustainable Income for Local Communities

Sustainably managed ecotourism can support poverty alleviation by providing employment for local communities, which can offer them alternative means of livelihood outside of unsustainable ones (such as poaching).

Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that communities in regions surrounding conservation areas in Costa Rica had poverty rates that were 16% lower than in areas that weren’t near protected parks. These protected areas didn’t just benefit from conservation funds due to ecotourism, but also helped to reduce poverty as well.

It Protects Natural Ecosystems

Ecotourism offers unique travel experiences focusing on nature and education, with an emphasis on sustainability and highlighting threatened or endangered species. It combines conservation with local communities and sustainable travel , highlighting principles (and operations) that minimize negative impacts and expose visitors to unique ecosystems and natural areas. When managed correctly, ecotourism can benefit both the traveler and the environment, since the money that goes into ecotourism often goes directly towards protecting the natural areas they visit.

Each year, researchers release findings on how tourist presence affects wildlife, sometimes with varying results. A study measuring levels of the stress hormone cortisol in wild habituated Malaysian orangutans found that the animals were not chronically stressed by the presence of ecotourists. The orangutans lived in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, where a local community-managed organization operates while maintaining strict guidelines to protect them.

Ecotourism May Also Hurt Those Same Natural Ecosystems

Somewhat ironically, sometimes ecotourism can hurt ecosystems just as much as it can help. Another study in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution found that ecotourism can alter animal behaviors in ways that put them at risk. If the presence of humans changes the way animals behave, those changes may make them more vulnerable by influencing their reaction to predators or poachers.

It's not just the animals who are at risk. As ecotourism activities become too popular, it can lead to the construction of new infrastructure to accommodate more visitors. Similarly, more crowds mean more pressure on local resources, increased pollution, and a higher chance of damaging the soil and plant quality through erosion. On the social side, these activities may displace Indigenous groups or local communities from their native lands, preventing them from benefiting from the economic opportunities of tourism.

Ecotourism Offers the Opportunity to Experience Nature

Renown conservationist Jane Goodall has a famous quote: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, shall all be saved.” It can be difficult to understand something that we haven’t seen with our own eyes, and ecotourism gives travelers the opportunity to gain new experiences in natural areas while learning about the issues they face. 

Ecotourism also educates children about nature, potentially creating new generations of nature lovers that could someday become conservationists themselves. Even adult visitors may learn new ways to improve their ecological footprints .

EXAMPLES OF ECOTOURISM

The East African country has some competitive advantages over its neighbors thanks to its rich natural resources, paired with the fact that it has allocated over 25% of its total area to wildlife national parks and protected areas. Because of this, an estimated 90% of tourists visit to Tanzania seeking out ecotourism activities. Ecotourism, in turn, supports 400,000 jobs and accounts for 17.2% of the national GDP, earning about $1 billion each year as its leading economic sector.

Some of Tanzania’s biggest highlights include the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro , and Zanzibar, though the country still often goes overlooked by American tourists. Visitors can take a walking safari tour in the famous Ngorongoro Conservation area, for example, with fees going to support the local Maasai community.

The country is also known for its chimpanzees , and there are several ecotourism opportunities in Gombe National Park that go directly towards protecting chimpanzee habitats.

Galapagos Islands

It comes as no surprise that the place first made famous by legendary naturalist Charles Darwin would go on to become one of the most sought-after ecotourism destinations on Earth, the Galapagos Islands .

The Directorate of the Galapagos National Park and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism require tour providers to conserve water and energy, recycle waste, source locally produced goods, hire local employees with a fair wage, and offer employees additional training. A total of 97% of the land area on the Galapagos is part of the official national park, and all of its 330 islands have been divided into zones that are either completely free of human impact, protected restoration areas, or reduced impact zones adjacent to tourist-friendly areas.

Local authorities still have to be on their toes, however, since UNESCO lists increased tourism as one of the main threats facing the Galapagos today. The bulk of funding for the conservation and management of the archipelago comes from a combination of governmental institutions and entry fees paid by tourists.

Costa Rica is well-known throughout the world for its emphasis on nature-based tourism, from its numerous animal sanctuaries to its plethora of national parks and reserves. Programs like its “Ecological Blue Flag” program help inform tourists of beaches that have maintained a strict set of eco-friendly criteria.

The country’s forest cover went from 26% in 1983 to over 52% in 2021 thanks to the government’s decision to create more protected areas and promote ecotourism in the country . Now, over a quarter of its total land area is zoned as protected territory.

Costa Rica welcomes 1.7 million travelers per year, and most of them come to experience the country’s vibrant wildlife and diverse ecosystems. Its numerous biological reserves and protected parks hold some of the most extraordinary biodiversity on Earth, so the country takes special care to keep environmental conservation high on its list of priorities. 

New Zealand

In 2019, tourism generated $16.2 billion, or 5.8% of the GDP, in New Zealand. That same year, 8.4% of its citizens were employed in the tourism industry, and tourists generated $3.8 billion in tax revenue.

The country offers a vast number of ecotourism experiences, from animal sanctuaries to natural wildlife on land, sea, and even natural caves. New Zealand’s South Pacific environment, full of sights like glaciers and volcanic landscapes, is actually quite fragile, so the government puts a lot of effort into keeping it safe.

Tongariro National Park, for example, is the oldest national park in the country, and has been named by UNESCO as one of only 28 mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Sites. Its diverse volcanic landscapes and the cultural heritage of the indigenous Maori tribes within the create the perfect combination of community, education, and conservation.

How to Be a Responsible Ecotourist

• Ensure that the organizations you hire provide financial contributions to benefit conservation and find out where your money is going.
• Ask about specific steps the organization takes to protect the environment where they operate, such as recycling or promoting sustainable policies.
• Find out if they include the local community in their activities, such as hiring local guides, giving back, or through initiatives to empower the community.
• Make sure there are educational elements to the program. Does the organization take steps to respect the destination’s culture as well as its biodiversity?
• See if your organization is connected to a non-profit or charity like the International Ecotourism Society .
• Understand that wildlife interactions should be non-invasive and avoid negative impacts on the animals.

Ecotourism activities typically involve visiting and enjoying a natural place without disturbing the landscape or its inhabitants. This might involve going for a hike on a forest trail, mountain biking, surfing, bird watching, camping, or forest bathing . 

Traveling in a way that minimizes carbon emissions, like taking a train or bike instead of flying, may also be part of an ecotourism trip. Because these modes of travel tend to be slower, they may be appreciated as enjoyable and relaxing ecotourism activities.

The Wolf Conservation Center ’s programing in New York State is an example of ecotourism. This non-profit organization is dedicated to the preservation of endangered wolf species. It hosts educational sessions that allow visitors to observe wolves from a safe distance. These programs help to fund the nonprofit organization’s conservation and wildlife rehabilitation efforts.

Stonehouse, Bernard. " Ecotourism ." Environmental Geology: Encyclopedia of Earth Science , 1999, doi:10.1007/1-4020-4494-1_101

" What is Ecotourism? " The International Ecotourism Society .

" Tourism ." International Union for Conservation of Nature .

https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1307712111

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0033357

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2015.09.010

https://doi.org/10.5897/JHMT2016.0207

" Galapagos Islands ." UNESCO .

" About Costa Rica ." Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC .

https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/tourism-satellite-account-2019

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Agritourism Is the Concept of Vacationing on a Farm—Try It Out at These 10 Pastoral Properties

The terms "agritourism" and "farm stay" are often used interchangeably. Whatever vernacular you assign to the purpose-built experience, though, know that this booming part of the ecotourism sector delivers something from which so many of us could benefit: more time outside, and the opportunity to experience an agrarian way of life. And it appears to be here to say: According to market research , the nearly $6 billion market size of agritourism, as of 2021, is predicted to grow at a rate of 11.4 percent through 2030.

“Agritourism is becoming so in demand because of our collective desire to return to a slower, more natural way of life. It ultimately comes down to our well-being." —Peyton Cypress, Farm Manager, Southall

“Agritourism is becoming so in demand because of our collective desire to return to a slower, more natural way of life. It ultimately comes down to our well-being. What environment is going to make us feel our best? When people start asking themselves these types of questions, many arrive at the idea of a farm with fresh air and beautiful scenery,” says Peyton Cypress , Farm Manager at Southall , in Tennessee. It’s also increasingly popular as a family vacation that teaches kids the importance of agriculture and treating Mother Nature with respect and, of course, lets them interact with adorable animals.

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Agritourism is within the nature-centered-vacation canon of glamping , treehouse hotels , and immersive nature experiences , but with more of a focus on getting your hands dirty and learning practical skills in a rural setting. Unlike other types of nature-oriented tourism that are curated to fulfill a vacation fantasy, the agriculture component is the foundation of a true agritourism, and the tourism aspects come second.

That means chores need to be completed—whether that’s feeding chickens, milking cows, pulling weeds, or harvesting crops—and guests have the option to join in, whether by collecting your own eggs for breakfast or pulling potatoes from the ground to make dinner. Hard work also has plenty of payoffs besides a sense of accomplishment—including the serotonin-boosting benefits of getting in touch with nature and animals , seeing where your food actually comes from (maybe even having a hand in that process), and escaping the tech-fueled daily grind.

Farm stays don’t tend toward the super luxurious (with a few noteworthy exceptions). But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be sleeping in a barn alongside barrels of hay on an agritourism trip. Most places offer comfortable accommodations, ranging from modest rooms with shared bathrooms to beautifully decorated farmhouses. Guests typically also have access to eco-conscious activities (like foraging and horseback riding), farm-to-table dining, and, in some cases, even sustainable spa treatments

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, get to work, and reap the myriad rewards, you might be interested in learning about 10 pastoral properties around the world that stand out in the ever-growing field of agritourism—and will surely plant the seed for your next nature-driven getaway.

10 agritourism farms around the world to know about

1. liberty hill farm (rochester, vermont).

Vermont's first green agritourism enterprise, Liberty Hill Farm , a family-run dairy farm in the picturesque town of Rochester, has been welcoming tourists for nearly 40 years, many of whom return many times over to milk cows, bottle-feed calves, and go hiking in Green Mountain National Forest. The hearty breakfast of farm-fresh eggs and cheese, as well as a home-cooked dinner keep agritourists properly fueled. After a day filled with outdoor activities, guests can watch the sunset from a rocking chair on the porch and catch some quality zzzs in a cozy room inside the 1825-built Greek Revival main house.

2. Beach Plum Farm (Cape May, New Jersey)

Drive two miles west of historic downtown Cape May and you’ll find Beach Plum Farm . To reap grounding benefits of fostering a deeper connection to nature and farm life, chores here include feeding animals, collecting eggs, planting, and harvesting. There are interactive classes on topics such as beekeeping and flower-arranging in season. The property is also well known for farm-to-table dinners. Besides hands-on educational experiences, enjoying the fresh air, and eating delicious food, guests have the opportunity to snooze soundly in cottages and hemlock beam barns.

3. Babylonstoren (Simondium, South Africa)

One of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in South Africa, Babylonstoren has a huge garden with vegetables, stone fruits, citrus, herbs, and even a prickly pear maze. Gardener-led walking tours to see the plants, bees, ducks, and chickens are available.

Babel, an old cowshed turned farm-to-fork restaurant, boasts one of the best and most bountiful breakfast spreads ever. Expect house-made granola, wood-fired country bread, hand-churned butter, pressed juices, and hyperlocal honey. Guests can hunker down in cottages with fireplaces and clawfoot tubs. Bathrooms here are stocked with hand-picked aromatherapy herbs. And nature-driven spa treatments round out the wellness offerings.

4. Southall (Franklin, Tennessee)

For travelers who crave a little luxury, Southall is an upscale farm resort not too far outside of Nashville worth checking out. The picturesque property offers gardens, greenhouses, a lake, apiaries, forest trails, and refined accommodations that make it an extremely relaxing atmosphere for stressed-out city dwellers to learn about and reconnect with nature. The farm-to-table experience ranks among the highlights for foodies keen to understand the journey from ground to plate—and then taste the proverbial fruits of their labors, as prepared by a talented chef. Many folks also gravitate toward pollinator programming that includes bee-hive tours and honey tastings.

5. Beltane Ranch (Glen Ellen, California)

Sonoma continues to lead the regenerative agriculture charge in the United States. Beltane Ranch , a sixth-generation operation in Glen Ellen, stands at the forefront of the movement. Efforts—which go well beyond sustainably to restorative practices that will benefit the land for generations—include using free-range chickens for pest control, composting initiatives, maintaining wildlife corridors, planting cover crops, and employing sheep (aka “woolly weeders”) to promote soil fertility. Besides the applaud-worthy ecological endeavors, this 105-acre agricultural preserve is a wonderful place to unwind under the shade of ancient oaks, stroll through the vineyards and heirloom gardens, sip estate-grown wine, sample olive oil, and rest in a landmark inn.

6. São Lourenço do Barrocal (Alentejo, Portugal)

Another plush yet pastoral choice, São Lourenço do Barroca is a family-operated agritourism that dates back more than 200 years. The sprawling plot comprises a 19th-century farmhouse, spa, stables, scenic trails, a winery, an organic garden, and a farm-to-table restaurant that sources vegetables, fruits, and olive oil grown and produced right on-site. Guests have the opportunity to participate in a spate of activities, such as horseback riding, cycling, bird-watching, and stargazing (the estate sits within the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve ). Overnight options include rooms, suites, and cottages—all refurbished, but still true to traditional craftsmanship with elements like terracotta floors.

7. Tabula Rasa Farms (Carlton, Oregon)

Situated in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Tabula Rasa Farms is rooted in sustainability and respect for the land and its creatures. It’s well regarded for humane, grass-fed beef, heritage-breed pork, and pasture-raised laying hens. The plant-based set will find plenty to satisfy thanks to the regenerative approach to agriculture that yields fresh, flavorful vegetables. Farms tours to meet all animals, learn about rotational grazing, and witness water conservation efforts first-hand are a huge hit. For overnight guests, there’s a hilltop farmhouse with sweeping vistas and a fitness center.

8. EBBIO (Tuscany, Italy)

EBBIO , an organic and sustainable farmhouse surrounded by an evergreen forest in Tuscany, is beloved among visitors who love foraging for wild asparagus and edible flowers. Truffle hunts lure travelers between September and November. With essential-oil making, cooking classes, jam workshops, art therapy, horseback riding, and farm chores like feeding chickens, the enriching on-site activities never seem to end. The ecologically oriented estate also hosts yoga retreats.

9. Mountain Goat Lodge (Salida, Colorado)

Tucked away on 20 acres at the foot of the Sawatch Mountain Range in the high desert of Colorado, Mountain Goat Lodge invites visitors to interact with dairy goats (and even bottle-feed kids). More than just simply looking adorable and bringing a smile to guests’ faces, these cute critters supply milk for housemade Greek-style yogurt, chevre, fresh mozzarella, feta, and paneer—all of which is up for grabs at breakfast. The cheese-making workshops are wildly popular. Guests can also learn new skills to bring back home by taking classes on raising backyard chickens and goat husbandry. When it’s time to call it a night, cozy rooms and suites await.

10. Cucumbi Farm (Alentejo, Portugal)

A soulful reflection of the agrarian roots and spirit of Alentejo, every aspect of Cucumbi Farm ties to the untouched region it calls home. It’s rustic and relaxing, with an emphasis on returning to simplicity. There are expansive fields to explore, crops to harvest, sheep and chickens to feed, and a saltwater pool to cool off in between chores and strolling the enchanting grounds. While the whitewashed apartments and suites—which don’t have TVs in order to help guests fully embrace the slower pace and unplugged nature of things—are all named after animals that reside on the herdade.

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What Is Agri-Ecotourism?

Agri-ecotourism or agro-ecotourism is a mix of both ecotourism and agritourism. It’s a form of tourism that involves visitors participating in sustainable farming and learning about local produce. Known to be socially responsible and eco-friendly, the popularity of agri-ecotourism continues to grow as people look for new experiences outside of cities. 

Whether it’s for leisure, education, or just curiosity, agri-ecotourism has managed to attract both international and domestic tourists. Driven by the need for more sustainable solutions and pastimes, this blend of interests has the potential to continue expanding in the future. 

Difference between Agritourism and Ecotourism

Agritourism brings tourists to a farm or ranch to teach them about the local culture and increase income while ecotourism promotes sustainable and responsible travel to areas with the intention of conserving and protecting the environment.  Ecotourism, also known as nature tourism, tends to be more focused on raising awareness for environmental issues. Both of these forms of tourism also work towards supporting the local community and encouraging a respectful mindset. 

The combination of the two results in agri-ecotourism, a new and durable approach to tourism. 

Why Do We Need Agri-Ecotourism?

There are many types of tourism that you may have heard of or even experienced first hand. Culinary tourism, business tourism, sports tourism, and even medical tourism – you name it. What makes agri-ecotourism stand out is that it is heavily focused on protecting the environment and reducing our carbon footprint while still providing an enjoyable holiday. 

For guests, agri-ecotourism is an escape from busy city life. It gives them the opportunity to be surrounded by nature and immerse themselves in a new culture. Not only does this provide endless activities for travelers, but it also supports local farmers. 

Agri-ecotourism can provide jobs in areas that normally have high levels of poverty, improve the food supply chain, strengthen traditional farming practices, and promote the local heritage through art.

Furthermore, it’s a great cause to promote because it works on conserving natural habitats and increasing landscape diversity. Because agri-ecotourism teaches people to be more responsible when it comes to their consumption habits, this change in mindset can be transformative for our society.

Agri-Ecotourism Activities for Guests

Agri-ecotourism is a lot more than just learning about the farming process. There’s an abundance of invigorating and memorable activities that guests can participate in when visiting eco-friendly farms. The best part is that it provides something interesting for all age groups. 

If you own a vacation rental farmhouse , here’s a list of agri-ecotourism related activities that you can promote to your guests:

• Meeting local farmers 
• Tasting a variety of fresh foods and produce
• Learning about rural art
• Farmer’s markets
• Visiting nearby protected areas and learning about their history
• Going on educational tours for a multitude of topics
• Milking cattle
• Winery tours 
• Attending local festivals and fairs
• Renting out farmhouses or rural B&Bs to live out the full experience
• Workshops for corn grinding or traditional milk processing
• Learning about local architecture and construction 

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Exploring the Great Examples of Agritourism

Are you looking for a unique way to experience nature and learn about agriculture? Agritourism may be the perfect activity for you. Agritourism is a form of tourism that focuses on visiting agricultural sites and learning about farming, food production, and rural culture. From visiting local farms to exploring wineries, going on a farming tour, and participating in outdoor activities, there are countless ways to experience agriculture tourism. 

Agritourism is an increasingly popular form of travel that allows tourists to experience rural life, connect with nature, and learn about the agricultural industry. Agritourism is an excellent option if you’re looking for an exciting and educational way to explore the world. In this article, we’ll showcase a few amazing examples of agritourism destinations from around the globe. From luxurious vineyards in France to rustic farms in India, these agritourism spots have something for everyone. Read on to learn more about agriculture tourism’s incredible opportunities.

Definition of Agritourism

The American Farm Bureau Federation defines agritourism as an activity carried out at a working farm, ranch, or agricultural facility to delight tourists while also bringing in money for the proprietor. Agricultural tourism involves visiting a working farm or other agricultural or horticultural operation for enjoyment, education, or active participation in the farm’s or operation’s activities. This activity also contributes to the location’s economic viability. The following are examples of Agritourism: 

The Berry Farm – Miami, Florida, United States

If you’re looking to explore the world of agriculture tourism and farming tours, The Berry Farm in Miami, Florida, is a great place to start. The Berry Farm is a family-owned and operated farm that offers a unique agritourism experience. Visitors can participate in berry picking and learn about sustainable farming techniques from the friendly and knowledgeable staff. Guests can also enjoy a picnic lunch on-site, stroll through the grounds and observe the various species of plants and animals living in harmony. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also book a guided tour to explore nearby farms and gain insights into the agricultural industry. With its rich history and various activities, The Berry Farm is an excellent destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the world of agriculture tourism.

The Lavender Labyrinth – Mears, Michigan, United States

The Lavender Labyrinth is a 3-acre big garden located in Shelby, Michigan, just minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan and about 1.5 miles south of Silver Lake. It is situated at a family-owned Cherry Point Farm & Market overseen by Barbara Bull. The farm’s lavender field is excellent, despite the fact that it also grows a range of fruits and vegetables and sells mouthwatering handcrafted delights like pies and jams. That’s because the farm’s proprietors go much further than merely planting their crops in a straight line. As an alternative, they cultivate their lavender in a stunning labyrinth pattern that guides visitors to the center.

A sustainable fruit market, baked goods, pies, and donuts are available at Cherry Point throughout the summer, and they also offer free access to the herb garden and labyrinth. Cherry Point also conducts fish boils, which are recognized for their smoky cooking methods.

Belmont Estate – Bristol Road, Wraxall, North Somerset, United Kingdom

Belmont estates is a beautiful country estate in bristol on a mission to restore and regenerate our natural world. This stunning Georgian estate outside Bristol is on a quest to recover and preserve our natural environment. Belmont offers free nature-based education, environmental restoration, and regenerative agriculture, all supported by corporate partnerships. They are dedicated to regenerating biodiversity, combating climate change, and showcasing a novel approach to land management. By rewilding, rewetting, and engaging in regenerative farming, Belmont Estate safeguards and promote indigenous species that are in danger of going extinct locally and nationally.

Travelers to Belmont can engage in agricultural tourism by utilizing the estate’s sustainable and organic meat, firewood, and charcoal, as well as a variety of additional activities like artisan butchery and cooking over an open fire.

Agritourism is a great way to explore the world of farming and agriculture while having a fun educational experience. Whether you’re visiting a local farm, a winery, or an agricultural museum, you’ll gain valuable insights into the history and culture of farming and the importance of sustainable agriculture. A farming tour is a great way to support small farms, discover unique products, and learn about rural lifestyles. By participating in agritourism, you can help preserve our agricultural heritage and better appreciate the importance of preserving our natural resources.

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Nature Tourism Development

Assistance for wildlife conservation and economic growth, successes and challenges in agritourism.

Agritourism can be a useful way to expand and diversify a farm or ranch, but it doesn’t work well in every situation. Below are examples of successful agritourism experiences and a discussion of common challenges, which may help you decide whether agritourism is right for your farm or ranch.

Success Stories

La mota ranch – hebbronville, texas.

The La Mota Ranch just outside of Hebbronville, Texas is a cattle ranch, founded in the 1890s, and still owned and managed today by the descendants of the original owners. La Mota’s primary business is its purebred and commercial cattle herds. Being amateur historians, La Mota’s owners, the Hellen family, saw the value in promoting the unique mixture of Mexican and Texan ranching history along the South Texas border. They were further encouraged by the state legislature’s recent recognition of the area’s historical significance, so La Mota’s owners capitalized on their natural amenities, historic buildings and local color to create a successful agritourism business. Owner/operator Bill Hellen attributes his success to identifying a market niche. In recent years La Mota Ranch received multiple busloads of tourists per week and charged around $60 per person. The added income from running tours has allowed the Hellen family to keep the ranch working, and the involvement of the entire Hellen family in the tourist enterprise has made the business what it is. The La Mota owners became agritourism leaders in their region and helped develop other businesses through a regional agritourism collaboration known as the Llanos Mesteños South Texas Heritage Trail. www.lamotaranch.com

Doepkens Farm – Gambrills, Maryland

Doepkens Farm in rural Anne Arundel County, Maryland began many years ago as a tobacco farm. In 1992, owner and operator Bill Doepkens began making the transition from tobacco to ornamental flowers, gourds and fresh eggs. Today, Doepkens is a working family farm that specializes in chrysanthemums and has gained wide attention for its stunning giant murals made of flowering mums. Each year around Halloween, tourists from Maryland and beyond come to see the living mural which measures just less than half an acre. Other agritourism activities at Doepkens Farm include make-your-own flower arrangements and pumpkin picking. In addition, they cultivate and sell on wholesale and retail levels a wide variety of agricultural and finished food products including jams, jellies, corn, soy, wheat, squash, gourds and flowers. A diverse offering of products and services as well as creative, unique marketing techniques can help farms succeed in the marketplace.

Shuster’s Playtime Farm – Deerfield, Wisconsin

Fourteen years ago Don Schuster planted 1/3 acre of pumpkins. Six years later he had seven acres of pumpkins, and customers from all over the region came to pick pumpkins at Schuster’s. Based on requests from customers for other agritourism services, Don and his wife Theresa developed additional agritourism activities as a way to increase farm visits, and thus increase pumpkin sales. The Schusters offer good advice to potential agritourism businesses. They say, “To get to our size takes time. We have seen many farms try to skip steps and before they know it they are out of business. There is a huge learning curve in this business. Anyone can grow a crop, but to harvest customers is a new venture for almost all farmers.” Also, they add, “make sure to get good insurance.” Lastly, the Schusters recommend that potential businesses join associations made of up other people in the business to “learn and grow from each other’s experiences.” Visit their website .

Challenges of Agritourism

For every agritourism success story, there is a counter-story of a farmer/rancher who got out of the agritourism because it wasn’t profitable. Most surveys of farmers/ranchers find that the business is full of challenges and hardships…and that’s just the folks who are still in the business. One study in California identified “dealing with visitors” as the biggest challenge agritourism businesses faced (Holland and Wolfe). A study of Pennsylvanian businesses listed property tax problems, high insurance and liability costs, and the limits of seasonality and weather as the most significant of the many problems operators faced (Ryan et al 2006). Similarly, a New Jersey study found that marketing the business was the biggest problem, with liability concerns and dealing with customers a close second and third (Schilling et al 2006).

In sum, agritourism has great potential for farmers and ranchers seeking to generate additional revenue, capitalize on underused assets, and educate the public. However, it is not a “magic bullet” and not all agritourism ventures have succeeded.

More Success Stories

• Farm Credit East
• Center for Rural Affairs: New Farmer Success Stories
• United States Department of Agriculture: Success Stories

Source: Successes and Challenges in Agritourism , article ; Agricultural Marketing Resource Center

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Wait, NO! There's a time and place for urbanization and industry, but today we're here as ecotourists. Our goal is to enjoy the environment and leave no trace. There are several different ecotourist principles and types. Ecotourism has numerous benefits, but not everyone is on board. Hike on to learn more!

Ecotourism Definition

If you've ever explored someplace away from your hometown, you've been a tourist. Tourism often conjures up images of families enjoying a theme park together on a warm summer's day, or young travelers wandering through sprawling European cities—but tourism occurs in our world's vast wilderness areas as well.

Ecotourism is distinguished from normal tourism in that it specifically concerns the natural environment. However, ecotourism is not just the act of visiting a national or state park or a wilderness area. It is a specific approach or method to visiting these areas.

Ecotourism is a type of nature-based tourism that emphasizes reducing or eliminating your environmental impact.

The main goal of ecotourism is to preserve natural environmental conditions, primarily so that natural ecosystems maintain themselves without interruption, but also so that future generations can enjoy natural sites in the same way that modern tourists can.

Ecotourism-based businesses seek to offer ecotourism experiences. Their goal is to make your visit to wilderness areas as environmentally friendly as possible.

Ecotourism is considered a form of sustainable development. Inherently, ecotourism is a deliberate attempt to sustain natural tourist sites for future generations. Check out our explanation on Sustainable Development for more information!

Ecotourism is sometimes called green tourism . A related concept, eco-friendly tourism , also seeks to minimize your environmental footprint but does not necessarily involve natural sites. For example, a trip to Rome or New York City could theoretically be eco-friendly if you use public transit for transportation and recycle your waste.

Ecotourism Principles

There have been several attempts to codify how ecotourism should be practiced. In 2008, author Martha Honey, co-founder of the Center for Responsible Travel, suggested seven principles for ecotourists and ecotourism-based businesses. 1 They are:

• Travel to natural destinations
• Minimize impact
• Build environmental awareness
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation
• Provide financial benefits and power for local people
• Respect local culture
• Support human rights and democratic movements

Honey's principles are geared toward making ecotourism financially sustainable. Simply conserving the environment does not make ecotourism sustainable. It also must be financially profitable and benefit local communities. Otherwise, the appeal of pristine nature will likely eventually yield to an expanding need for natural resources. In other words, ecotourism can hold urbanization and industrialization at bay so long as it provides an alternate source of stable income for local people. This is why over half of Honey's ecotourism principles directly pertain to people rather than nature.

It is not always easy to differentiate explicitly ecotourism-based businesses. There are several different organizations that provide accreditation or certification to ecotourism-based businesses. The common goal of these organizations is to verify that a business is responsibly meeting ecotourist principles and promoting sustainable development. Organizations include, but are not limited to, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, the International Ecotourism Society, and Ecotourism Australia.

Because ecotourism is a relatively new concept, standards can be inconsistent. No organization, for example, is explicitly following Honey's seven principles, although most organizations share similar criteria.

Types of Ecotourism

There are two overarching types of ecotourism: hard ecotourism and soft ecotourism.

Soft ecotourism is typically the more accessible form of tourism. It requires less physical exertion and less disconnect from civilization and is typically accessed through an ecotourism-based business or a government agency. Soft ecotourism provides a relatively hassle-free chance to experience nature. Soft ecotourism can be as simple as going for a stroll in your nearest state park and watching the birds and plants.

Hard ecotourism is, well, a little more hardcore. This is "roughing it"—getting stuck in a wild place, with or without the guidance of an ecotour business or any of the services we usually rely on in society. Hard ecotourism requires more self-reliance and physical fitness. Think primitive camping deep within an unmonitored wilderness area.

Both soft and hard ecotourism revolve around traveling to natural environments while limiting your environmental impact. One could argue that soft ecotourism is more economically and culturally sustainable, but does not offer a truly "wild" experience as hard ecotourism does.

Some geographers identify a third form of ecotourism, adventure ecotourism , which revolves around intense physical activity or sport, like ziplining or surfing, in a natural environment.

Ecotourism Examples

So we know most ecotourism excursions can be classified as either hard or soft, but what actual activities qualify as ecotourism?

Expeditions, Treks, and Hikes

Probably the most common form of ecotourism is an expedition or trek of some kind. This can take many forms. As we mentioned earlier, a simple, brief walk in your local state park is a form of ecotourism, as is unintrusive birdwatching. Going on a safari to see the wildlife of Tanzania can also count as ecotourism, even if you sleep in a cozy hotel with room service. The trip has provided income for multiple businesses, that are then financially incentivized to keep local wildlife alive and natural ecosystems intact. On the opposite end of the spectrum is a hike on the Appalachian Trail, a 2,190-mile journey with limited access to resources.

Camping and Glamping

You won't make it far on the Appalachian Trail without camping —sleeping overnight in a natural area, another common form of ecotourism. One form of camping is primitive camping, which is camping with access to virtually no human-made resources besides what you can fit in the backpack you bring with you. An increasingly popular form of camping is glamping, a portmanteau of "glamorous camping." Glamping sites can feature luxury tents or even small cabins. The aim of glamping is to offer a comfortable experience in a secluded environment. Most camping experiences fall somewhere in between. Many campsites in US national parks offer running water, limited electricity, and public restrooms, but you'll usually need to bring your own tent.

Agrotourism is farm-based tourism. Farmers may give visitors a tour of their farm, an overview of their careers, and even allow them to interact with farm animals like sheep, goats, horses, and alpacas. Farms are artificial ecosystems, in that they are artificially maintained by humans, so it is debatable whether agrotourism can be properly considered a form of ecotourism. Agrotourism can be a very profitable source of income for small farms.

Ecotourism Benefits

When done right, ecotourism can make it financially profitable to protect the environment . By turning nature into a tourist destination, ecotourism provides jobs, generates money, and imparts an appreciation for the natural world that extends beyond the resources we can get from it.

Ecotourism is growing. Globally, ecotourism is expected to generate as much as $100 billion annually within the next five years. Long-term, ecotourism may prove to be one of the most financially profitable uses of land.

This all works to prevent resource extraction and land development. Ecotourism helps maintain ecosystems and slow environmental degradation, which positively impacts humans in less tangible ways. We depend on these ecosystems to regulate the environment, of which we are a part.

Disadvantages of Ecotourism

There are two major disadvantages of ecotourism: negative environmental impact and disruption of local or native traditions.

Negative Environmental Effects

But wait—we've just waxed poetic about how ecotourism can be good for the environment! While inviting tourists to enter the natural world is better for a natural area than building an apartment complex or highway over it, human intrusion into a natural landscape will have some kind of effect. Most ecotourists try to "take only memories, leave only footprints," but some waste will inevitably be left behind. Just the act of traveling through a pristine wilderness can disrupt it. Wildlife viewing in particular can acclimate wild animals to humans, which can lead to dangerous or even deadly interactions as animals lose their fear of people.

Erosion of Traditional Lifestyles

Despite Martha Honey's deference to local culture, ecotourism (especially soft ecotourism) is also dependent on global capitalism to function. Some native groups, like the San, Omaha, and Maasai, have deliberately resisted globalism, capitalism, or both, especially since the conservation aspect of ecotourism is at odds with traditional subsistence hunting and gathering and/or nomadic pastoralism. These groups may be forced to pick between profit-based industrialization or profit-based ecotourism in a world that is increasingly interconnected and monetary in nature.

Ecotourism - Key takeaways

• Ecotourism seeks to protect natural areas by providing a financial incentive to keep them intact.
• The two major types of ecotourism are soft ecotourism and hard ecotourism.
• Ecotourism can include hiking, camping, birdwatching, going on safari, surfing, or even a simple walk in a state park.
• Ecotourism has proven to be very profitable and effective at protecting nature, but ecotourism can still harm the environment and disrupt native lifestyles.
• Honey, M. 'Ecotourism and sustainable development, 2nd edition.' Island Press. 2008.
• Fig. 3: Ecotourism (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ecotourism_Svalbard.JPG) by Woodwalker (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Woodwalker) License Type: CC-BY-SA-3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en)

Flashcards in Ecotourism 15

Define ecotourism. 

Explain the main goal of ecotourism and how that is accomplished.  

The main goal of ecotourism is to maintain natural areas by creating a financial incentive for their preservation. 

Ecotourism is a form of _________ development. 

Sustainable

Ecotourism is sometimes called: 

Green Tourism

Explain how ecotourism creates a financial incentive to preserve nature.

Locals can generate income from offering tours to natural sites, which has the potential to be more profitable than harvesting natural resources or developing the land for other uses.

Which of the following is NOT one of Martha Honey's seven principles of ecotourism? 

Generate federal tax revenue

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ecotourism

What do you mean by ecotourism? 

Ecotourism is essentially a type of nature-based tourism that emphasizes reducing or eliminating your environmental impact. It creates a financial incentive to preserve natural areas.

What is an example of ecotourism? 

Camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing are all examples of ecotourism. A specific example of ecotourism would be visiting Tanzania to see native wildlife. 

What is the main goal of ecotourism? 

The main goal of ecotourism is to preserve the environment, both for the enjoyment of future generations and for natural ecosystems in and of themselves.

What are seven principles of ecotourism? 

Martha Honey developed these seven principles of ecotourism: 

What are the two main disadvantages of ecotourism? 

In spite of its best intentions, ecotourism can still cause environmental damage. Additionally, it may disrupt native or local lifestyles.

Test your knowledge with multiple choice flashcards

Which of the following is NOT one of Martha Honey's seven principles of ecotourism? 

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10 Agriculture Destinations in India You Should Not Miss!

Agritourism is where ‘agriculture’ and ‘tourism’ meet offering people an amazing learning experience, whether it is a farm tour, a festival celebration or dessert-making class.

What is Agritourism

Agritourism gives you an opportunity to experience the real rural life, taste the local food and know about various agricultural tasks. It is slowly becoming a popular industry all over the world including many Indian states. Agritourism provides a unique experience from picking fresh fruits at an orchard, to a hay ride at a pumpkin farm and many more such activities.

Farmers nowadays convert their farm lands into a destination and open their doors for people to tell them about what they do and how they do. 

Top agritourism destinations in India

Though in India we have many beautiful farm houses and farm stays in almost every state but this article will focus on some of the best destinations that you would love to explore.

Dewalokam Farmstay

Dewalokam is the organic inherited farm of a friendly Syrian Christian family. The name means "paradise" and the property certainly proves that. This perfect farmstay is located at a distance of just 90 minutes from the Kochi airport, in Kerala and is surrounded by a serene river and nature reserve. The family here produces fruits, vegetables, spices, milk as well as honey. Moreover, a wide range of activities is available for the visitors such as village walks, bamboo rafting, gardening, cow milking and temple visits. Ayurveda, Yoga and cooking are also offered.

For more information visit:  http://dewalokam.com/

Bon Farmhouse

Situated in Kewzing Village in northeast state of Sikkim, the Bon Farmhouse is set amidst acres of abundant green cardamom forest, cultivated fields and tea gardens. It provides a natural environment for the guests, which is perfect for healthy living. It contains a farmhouse suite, family cottage, loghut suite and villa suite and each of them are in traditional Sikkim style together with new-age amenities. But the best thing about the farm house is - it has a great livestock inventory, which provides fresh organic food and milk. More to the point, you can participate in nature walks, hill trekking, bird-watching, farming and organic cooking classes. And if you want to relax your body and mind then you can go for the traditional hot stone herbal spa, ‘Dotho’.

For more info: Bon Farmhouse, Below Kewzing Monastry, Ravangla Subdivision, Kewzing, Sikkim, +91 095476 67788

Spend Holidays & Learn Organic Farming in This Beautiful Farm House Made of Cow Dung, Bamboo & Mud

Many city inhabitants are curious about village living & organic farming. Dwellings built in the middle of the fields and…

Maachli Farm

Maachli is a heavenly farmstay, located in Parule village on the remote south Konkan Coast of Maharashtra. The closest beaches to this place are Bhogwe and Tarkarli. The name ‘Maachli’ means ‘elevated huts’ in the local Malvani language. It has four beautiful hut-style accommodations that are built deep inside the nature amongst the Samant family's banana coconut, betel nut as well as spice cultivation. Visitors can do various fun activities like village walks, cookery lessons, and agricultural experiences.

For more details: http://www.maachli.in/contact.html Ph no - 91 9637333284

PRAKRITI Farm

PRAKRITI Farm is situated in the foothills of the Shivalik in Punjab and offers a classic farm living experience for the guests. One can embark on a nature or farm leisurely walk, trek on the rolling hills, do bird watching and participate in organic farming. There are five stay options to choose from:

Thatch and mud huts perched on a hilltop

Swiss tents with a rustic look

Safari tents pitched in abundant greenery

Kinnow Orchard cottage

Sunrise cottages

And all of them are well equipped with modern facilities. This farmstay provides you nature stay without having to leave the comforts of modern world.

For more info: PRAKRITI Farm, Majra, Rup Nagar, Punjab, +91 099713 93626

Dudhsagar Plantation

It is situated at the foothills of the Western Ghat Mountains in serene South Goa. The farm was set up in 1985 and contains a huge variety of organic fruit trees, medicinal plants, spices, herbs and flowers. Free range chicken and dairy farming is also done there. Visitors can also enjoy Jeep rides to distant Dudhsagar waterfall from the farmhouse. The farm stay has two clean and comfortable cottages in the midst of a tropical palm garden.

Contact details: Karmane Village, Mollem National Park, Goa 403410 Phone: 097653 64456

Destiny Farmstay

I am sure your family especially your kids will love the Destiny Farmstay as this resort is just 25 kilometers away from the popular Ooty hill station. The farmhouse has a stable full of horses, sheep, cows, rabbits, geese and guinea pigs. And, obviously farm dogs to watch over them. A massive range of produce is grown on the farm that includes spices, coffee, fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs. The farmstay in total has 35 guest rooms with full facilities.

Contact info http://blessingsonthenet.com/hotels/contactinfo/destiny-farmstay/2306

Citrus County

Citrus County is one of the most popular farms stays in Punjab and India as well. It is situated on the way to Amritsar and consists of four rooms and nine luxury tents. The farmstay is nicely developed and includes a café, swimming pool, and bar. As the name suggests, citrus fruit is main attraction of the farm, which is cultivated in a 70 acre orchard there. Guests can go for activities like fruit picking, village exploration, dairy farm visit and also learn to cook Punjabi food.

For more details Hoshiarpur, Chhauni Kalan, Punjab 146001

Dana Pani Organic Farmstay

Experience the slow and peaceful rhythm of life at the Dani Pani Organic Farmstay, located at the foothills of Himalayas. The organic farm is packed with fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits, natural flora and plenty of animals. It is simple and attractive accommodation with picturesque mountain views as well as delicious authentic Kumaoni fare made from natural ingredients. Additionally here you can do organic farming, jungle yoga, trekking or get traditional cooking lessons.

Contact information: Dana Pani, Kumaon, Uttarakhand, +91 9719243939

Banyan Tree Farmhouse

The Banyan Tree Farmstay is remotely hidden in the lush surroundings at the foothills of Western Ghats Mountains in Tamil Nadu. The place is around 2 hours drive from Coimbatore city.  Cocoa and coconuts are mainly grown here, along with some spices and fruits. The place is particularly good for bird watching. Guests can also enjoy doing activities like plantation tours, nature walks, fishing, jeep safaris, cycling, village visits, plus cooking lessons.

For more information: http://banyantreefarm.com/

Tathagata Farm

The enticing Tathagata Farm is a great place to relax as well as learn farming activities. It offers an opportunity to return to nature on a tea estate up in the hills – merely 45 minutes from Darjeeling. In addition to tea, the farm cultivates ginger, cardamom, vegetables, oranges and few other crops.  You can enjoy activities like plantation tours, trekking, nature walks and guided walks, fishing, picnicking and birding.

Contact address: Aanp Botay, Mineral Spring, P.O, Lebong, Darjeeling, West Bengal Phone: 099320 21569

One of the best things about staying on a farm is that you can contribute to the place through your participation. The purpose of agritourism is to make tourists live life like a Parole, right from plowing the field, milking the cow, growing vegetables to climbing a tree and plucking fruits.

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Blog 161-Agritourism: Linking Agriculture with Tourism

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Social Equity-based Public Private Partnership strategy for development of Agriculture and Rural Tourism has the potential to enhance rural (and farmers’) economic growth. This should be implemented using Cooperatives and other farmer groups, including FPOs and FPCs, opines Tushar Pandey.

In India, most farmers find it difficult to cultivate land in the conventional manner, as it does not offer good economic returns. So they turn to either cultivating cash crops or selling their land. To make their efforts economically viable, an alternate revenue generation model of Agritourism can be framed that can be operated by them. Diversifying into this agribusiness model calls for much less investment and it can help farmers in gaining an additional source of income.

The combination of Agriculture and Tourism has the potential to not only develop the local economy of the farming community but also for retaining youth by creating ample opportunities for earning while safeguarding the environment and the ecology of the place as a whole. Developments on AgTech and FinTech makes synergy possible on many operational aspects of Agritourism, such as marketing, financing, insurance and other institutional mechanisms. Further prospects on enabling entrepreneurship seems plausible owing to the impetus offered by Farmer Groups, including Farmer Producer Organizations and Companies (FPO/FPC), and other forms of cooperatives. Formation of the new Ministry of Cooperatives by the Government of India is a complementary step in the development of Agritourism and must be taken up by the new ministry on a priority basis.

AGRITOURISM

Agritourism, which falls under the category of Alternate Tourism, refers to the act of visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural or agribusiness operation for the purpose of enjoyment, education, or active involvement in the activities of the farm or operation. It synergizes both agriculture and tourism by capitalizing on their best practices. Though not a new idea per se (as it is already in practice in developed countries), we need to give this an Indian touch. Today, there are closer links between agritourism and nature-based or eco-tourism. There are many places in India that offer outstanding scenery and have national parks, wildlife and heritage buildings. Sustainable habitat management is of increasing interest to a highly urbanized population and that’s why agritourism becomes important for both – the urbanized population and farmers.

The recent National Sample Survey on Agriculture (NSSO) indicates the sad reality of India’s younger generation being uninterested in taking up agriculture. But agritourism could provide them an opportunity to return to their roots. And what could be better than this where you do your farming and also entertain your guests. Tourists visiting such places can relish a combination of special interest, need and leisure, all that makes it different from conventional tourism.

PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN AGRITOURISM

For the development of Agritourism agripreneurs, farmer organizations, co-operatives, funding institutions, NGOs and agribusiness companies need to come together to take up these ventures together with the help of farmers, government agencies and tour operators. Transporters and the hospitality industry are also involved and would benefit in the process. The PPP model provides an appropriate structure for the development of such projects.

The involvement of the state government becomes very important not only in developing such initiatives but to extensively consider the benefits that will ultimately reach the local farmer community. Sustainability monitoring also needs to be taken care of by the government. The major issue is to develop the project considering the long term sustainability of the entire area, population, carrying capacities and farmer benefit. A structured Public Private Partnership approach on Agritourism needs to be evolved after considering the following prime objectives:

• All Agritourism activities have to be sustainable;
• Focus on environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability criteria;
• Local communities should benefit economically and culturally from tourism;
• Ecologically sustainable development;
• Minimize impact by visitors;
• Better environment and better health;
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect;
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts;
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation;
• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people;
• Raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climate;
• Support international human rights and labour agreements.

A farm-based agritourism site needs to be developed on the lines of Public Private Partnership which will take into account the best possible practices and also set an example for all the stakeholders to start such initiatives. Primarily this model farm will showcase the ability of states as a brand for their agricultural produce, promote educational tours, agricultural festivals and fairs, appeals to special interest groups as an experience of the village life style, thereby creating a tremendous market for both domestic and foreign tourists.

Some areas in India have been successful in developing Agritourism. These include: Maharashtra (Pune and Baramati region); Coorg and other regions in Karnataka; Sikkim, Himachal and Uttarakhand (especially on rural homestay models). There are other isolated projects in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, MP and Orissa developed with Agritourism as a theme.

Activity based linkages of Agritourism

The SPV chart below shows the roles of all the stakeholders in the Agritourism business

The benefits of tourism are well known as it boosts regional development by developing infrastructure, increasing government earnings and revenues through foreign exchange, providing employment to local population, besides enabling lasting peace in conflict ridden areas. Therefore, governments should take up agritourism as a new thrust area and all the stakeholders should take responsibility to promote agritourism. The following steps are critical.

• Agripreneurs should join hands with tourism industry for services;
• Efforts should be made to train local manpower to enter this industry in large numbers;
• Better sharing and dissemination of information on Agritourism through internet and satellite channels;
• Offers made available through major tour operators. They sell it along with other holiday packages;
• The Department of Tourism promoting India as an Agritourism destination in the international market.

The capacities of Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) in this area need to be considerably enhanced in order to identify, encourage, and support farmers and agripreneurs who could potentially initiate agrotourism enterprises. We need specific training modules and programmes for training of trainers in this area so that EAS providers can organize training and capacity building of farmer groups. When this happens we can look forward to an exciting journey where farmers become agripreneurs offering agritourism that can enhance the tourism potential of India to its fullest in a sustainable manner. This is a win-win for both the economy and society as a whole.

LIST OF USEFUL REFERENCES ON THIS TOPIC

A guide to successful agritourism enterprises . https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/Vermont-Agritourism-Collaborative/2019_BestPracticesAgritourism-FINALDRAFT-lores.pdf

AESA. 2018. Face to Face. Extension and Agri-tourism in India . https://www.aesanetwork.org/extension-and-agri-tourism-in-india/

Agritourism fact sheet. 12 Things to consider when starting an agritourism business . LSU Ag Center. Research and extension https://www.lsuagcenter.com/NR/rdonlyres/C5B38132-3756-4978-992E-2A42FAB6537C/93305/agritourismtwelvethings1.pdf

Barbieri C. 2020. Agritourism research : A perspective article. Tourism Review 75(1):149-152. https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-05-2019-0152

Budiasa IW and Ambarawati IGAA. 2014. Community based agro-tourism as an innovative integrated farming system development model towards sustainable agriculture and tourism in Bali.  Journal of the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences 20(1):29-40.

Choenkwan S, Promkhambut A, Hayao F and Rambo AT.2016. Does agrotourism benefit mountain farmers? a case study in Phu Ruea district, Northeast Thailand . Mountain Research and Development, 36(2):162-172.

FAO. Agritourism development corporation – Agritourism India . Rome: FAO. http://www.fao.org/family-farming/network/network-detail/en/c/177631/

Goel A. 2014. Linking agro-ecology, biodiversity conservation and agro-tourism. https://orgprints.org/id/eprint/23687/

LAOS – Study visit to an agro-tourism farm . Asia-pacific farmers forum. https://asiapacificfarmersforum.net/laos-study-visit-vangvieng-organic-farm/

Malkanthi SH and Routry JK. 2011. Potential for agritourism development: Evidence from Sri Lanka . Journal of Agricultural Sciences – Sri Lanka 6(1) DOI: 10.4038/jas.v6i1.3812

Nadeesha S. 2018. Promotion of agro tourism in rural areas of Galle district in Sri Lanka . MOJ Curr Res & Rev. 2018;1(4):170-173. DOI: 10.15406/mojcrr.2018.01.00027

Nair, Vikneswaran, Hamzah Amran, and Ghazali Musa, eds. 2020.   Responsible Rural Tourism in Asia . Channel View Publications.

Phillip S, Hunter C. and Blackstock, K. 2010. A typology for defining agritourism . Tourism management, 31(6):754-758.

Raj, Saravanan and Todd, Jyoti. 2018. Agro-tourism: YATRA-Farm Tourism Venture . Good Practices in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services with Agripreneurship. https://www.manage.gov.in/publications/goodpractices/CaseStudy1_Feb2018.pdf

Reddy OSK. 2019. An eco tourism – The sustainable opportunity in the context of rural economies on the lines of un sustainable development goals 2030 . https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/eco-tourism-sustainable-opportunity-context-un-goals-osk-reddy/

Roth, Monika and Ochtersk, Jim. Getting started in agritourism – A cooperative extension guide on to how to begin, what visitors expect, customer relations, income streams, liability, marketing and other useful resources . http://ccetompkins.org/resources/getting-started-in-agritourism

Shehrawat PS. 2009. Agricultural tourism for sustainable rural development . Agricultural Management/Lucrari Stiintifice Seria I, Management Agricol 11(4).

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Cancel reply.

I congratulate the author Tushar Pandey for projecting the scope of Agri-farming in India. Recently (15th sept,2021) the Minister of Tourism, Kerala launched Kerala Agri tourism network – Farm tourism as a major initiative to tourism project.

(Minister P A Mohammed Riyas launches Kerala Agri Tourism Network-Farm Tourism PTI Published: Sept… https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/travel-news/2021/09/15/minister-p-a-mohamed-riyas-launched-the-kerala-agri-tourism-network-farm-tourism.html )

The author could have added the following paras to enrich the blog.

The term ‘agri-tourism’ was initially used in the US, but it originated from an Italian National Legal Framework passed in 1985. This law promotes overnight farm stays to diversify the incomes of Italian farmers and support the landscape of farming operations. The seeds of agri-tourism in India were first sown by the formation of the Agri Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) located at Baramati in Maharashtra. The ATDC was founded in 2004 by Pandurang Taware, an entrepreneur from the farming community.

It is a company that encourages agricultural tourism in Maharashtra and promotes it as a means of diversifying business opportunities and securing a feasible livelihood for farmers. Following a phase of research and an initial pilot programme in a village of Baramati district in 2005, the ATDC has grown, with some trained farmers and agri-tourism locations across the state of Maharashtra. Since its inception, farmers across the state have gained a 25% growth in their incomes.

Ref : Sarath and Sivakumar (2020) https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/2020/nov/23/to-enhance-income-of-farmers-consider-agri-tourism-2226815.html

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Research helps scientists track urban wildlife numbers.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- An urban wildlife specialist and a group of trained volunteers with the Mississippi State University Extension Service have been tracking wildlife in the Jackson metro area for three years to better understand how gentrification impacts urban wildlife populations.

Their work is part of an unprecedented nationwide study led by Lincoln Park Zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute and recently published in the journal “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,” or PNAS.

The study is aimed at gathering data on how gentrification influences the number and types of medium- to large-sized mammals found in 23 cities across the United States. Gentrified areas of cities have undergone neighborhood change as more educated, higher-income residents move into an underserved urban area, which often displaces the existing residents.

Adam Rohnke, Extension urban wildlife specialist and co-author of the study, said the group understood from its previous studies that as green infrastructure increases in cities, often there is an uptick in beneficial wildlife, including birds, insects and mammals. But the group wanted to know if and how the number and types of species differed between gentrified and nongentrified areas in the same cities and across all the cities in the study.

“As these gentrified areas see an increased tax base, more money tends to go into greenspaces, like public parks and other natural areas, often resulting in more tree canopy and other wildlife-friendly plants,” said Rohnke, who is also an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture.

“Similarly, the new residents moving in often have more disposable income for landscaping management. As a result, these spaces have an influx of wildlife-friendly trees, shrubs, other plantings and irrigation. So, it would lead one to think you would likely have more biodiversity in these areas as habitat quality improves,” he said.

While both areas of a city may have an abundance of wildlife, nongentrified areas often have a different composition of species that are often considered as nuisance wildlife, like racoons, starlings and rats, which raises legitimate concerns about human quality of life in these communities. These concerns can range from human-wildlife conflict to the potential increase in zoonotic disease exposure for people living in these communities.

The study data also shed light on the inaccessibility of nature for marginalized communities.

“We asked, ‘In a city, who does and does not have easy access to nature?’ We found that gentrification, which changes the demographic composition of people in neighborhoods, has consequences that extend to other species we share cities with,” said Mason Fidino, a quantitative ecologist at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo and lead author of the study, in a news release.

“This leaves marginalized communities without meaningful access to nature, which is a problem. My hope is that these results can be used to advocate for updated land development and management practices that prioritize social equity and access to nature spaces for all urban communities,” Fidino said.

Authors of the study used data collected between 2019 and 2021 from motion-detecting wildlife cameras at 999 sites across the 23 cities from Los Angeles to Boston. The analysis was based on 21 mammal species that were detected, including bobcats, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, armadillos and white-tailed deer.

Study Results

Results of the study varied across the U.S. On the East Coast, the total number of different species was greater in gentrified areas of cities. On the West Coast, gentrified areas of cities recorded more differences in the composition of the species present between gentrified and nongentrified areas of cities.

Why is species composition in West Coast cities more different between gentrified and nongentrified areas, unlike the eastern cities? Study authors are not sure.

“It may have something to do with the geography and climate,” said Rohnke. “Many of these western cities are spread out and arid. Gentrified areas in the West typically have more irrigation and as a result support more vegetation and access to water -- two key habitat components in extreme climates. Availability of water for wildlife is typically not as scarce in the East.”

Rohnke also noted that other broad regional differences in landcover moving from east to west could impact species composition between gentrified and nongentrified areas. However, this aspect was not accounted for in this study and warrants further research.  

The central U.S. cities, like Jackson, recorded moderate differences in both number of species and the overall composition of species present between gentrified and nongentrified areas.

Factors, including the difference in the age of the cities and overall city design, could contribute to this finding. For example, Boston and New York City are nearly 200 years older than many central U.S. cities, but many central U.S. cities are older than western cities, Rohnke said.

“Other research has shown the wildlife communities have become more similar over time in these older cities. Boston and New York City also have high human development and population density on a per-acre basis, while central U.S. cities are less dense and more sprawling but not as significantly as some of the western cities in this study,” he said.

While gentrification can have a significant impact on urban biodiversity, researchers also found that impervious surfaces, including concrete, asphalt and compacted soil, had more of an influence on urban wildlife populations than gentrification. Moreover, when they looked at the effects of both gentrification and high impervious surface combined, they found there was less biodiversity overall.

“In some highly gentrified areas, you may have a lot of concrete, roads, taller buildings and parking lots along with smaller parcels of land and not a lot of vegetative space,” Rohnke said. “So, even with the influx of wealth into these gentrified areas, a high percentage of impervious surface means there is limited space for green infrastructure to make a measurable impact for certain types of wildlife, especially mammals.”

Jackson Data

This effect was seen at five of Jackson’s sites. However, as soon as impervious surfaces in gentrified areas fell below 50%, the number of species increased by nearly three on average compared to nongentrified areas.

“As those physical barriers, like roads, decrease and parcel size increases, there is more potential greenspace,” Rohnke said. “Additionally, Jackson is unique in that we still have a lot of green connectivity across the metro with the Pearl River that runs through downtown Jackson, extensive city parks systems, the Natchez Trace and other natural areas. This not only provides habitat but also pathways for animals to move in and around the Jackson metro.

“Our cameras have captured white-tailed deer and foxes in Laurel Park, which is in Belhaven -- right in the middle of Jackson with residential and commercial properties and Interstate 55 in proximity. It’s a very urban park, but it’s right off the Pearl River with a lot of tree cover,” Rohnke said.

Rohnke and colleague Ann Smithson have led and trained Extension Master Naturalists and student workers in the Extension Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program to help collect and process the data.

“We are one of the only cities in the study that is nearly 100% volunteer-run when it comes to data collection and processing,” he said. “None of this would have been possible without the Master Naturalists or the undergraduate student apprentices we’ve had since 2019. Right now, we’re developing a guide on how we organized and executed our volunteer plan for other Urban Wildlife Information Network partners to use in the future.”

Rohnke, Smithson, students and volunteers managed 42 cameras in parks, cemeteries, golf courses, schoolyards and other greenspaces throughout the Jackson metro area. Volunteers have contributed more than 3,000 hours to data collection and processing on this and other related studies over five years.

This study is part of a larger body of research, including the Jackson Urban Wildlife Project, conducted through the Urban Wildlife Information Network, or UWIN. The network was formed by Lincoln Park Zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute in 2010 and is comprised of scientists, ecologists and educators. Their continued data collection will help scientists better understand biodiversity and human-wildlife interactions in cities.

The Big Picture

“In the long run, the data we gather can help answer ecological questions about how wildlife is adapting to living in urban areas and how that is affecting people in those areas,” said Rohnke, who has been a UWIN member since 2019. “As we continue to collect this data, we will be able to monitor over time the differences in wildlife populations in our urban and rural areas,” he said. “This is important as urbanization grows across the country and the world.

“When I get calls from cities in the metro area and they want to develop in a certain area, our goal in the near future is to be able to give them science-based data and information from our communities on the status of the urban wildlife population and what kind of human-wildlife interaction, positive or negative, they can expect and plan to manage and/or mitigate,” he said.

The Jackson Urban Wildlife Project is a partnership between MSU Extension, UWIN and many local partners. For more information and to view an interactive map of the Jackson project, visit https://tinyurl.com/5f8ajpyr.

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